Hinge structure for lighting fixture



Dec. 8, 1964 M. LASKER 3, ,3

HINGE STRUCTURE FOR LIGHTING FIXTURE Filed May 12, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 2g Ox Rim! INVEIQTOR MART/1v 4. 145x52 ATTORNEYS 8, 1964 M. L. LASKER HINGE STRUCTURE FOR LIGHTING FIXTURE- 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 12. 1960 Tlcl- Dec. 8, 1964 L, LASKER HINGE STRUCTURE FOR LIGHTING FIXTURE Filed May 12, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Ma/erw A. Ans/(a? 9 ,4414, QZJ/fid M ATTORNEYS orlr Filed May '12, 1960, Ser. No. 28,698

7 (Ilairns. (Cl. 220-38) This invention relates in general to electrical lighting fixtures and more specifically to a new and improved hinge structure for the light transmitting frame portion of the fixture.

The present invention is an improvement in concealed hinge structures for lighting fixtures. Prior art lighting fixtures which required frequent internal access thereto usually employed a piano style hinge for securing the moving portion. These piano hinged structures didnot lend themselves to a flush access door design and usually were not adaptable to applications where invisible hardware wa desired. A second drawback of-these designs is that the hinged access door is not easily separable from the fixture housing to allow cleaning of thelight transmitting panel which is usually mounted in the hinged member. These conventional fixtures also require separate, additional hardware to permit holding the hinged member in-an open position.

The present invention avoids the drawbacks of the prior art and permits easy removal of the hinged panel from the body portion of the fixture to facilitate cleaning. The invention, in its unique hinge structure, provides a lock to hold the hinged member in an open position. In this way, maintenance of the fixture sockets and replacement of lamps may be accomplished with the use of two hands, rather than the single band available when the other hand is necessary to hold the access door in an open position.

In one form of the invention, an exit panel is enclosed by a frame which is in turn pivotally hinged in unique fashion with a housing member to provide a flush recessed wall fixture. The frame is provided with horizontal projecting trunnion portions at each upper corner thereof which loosely engage an L-shaped trackway formed in theadjacent portions of the housing walls. The housing carries a pair of raised portions midway upon the Vertical side walls thereof which cooperate with the inner surface of the frame flange to provide a fulcrum point for pivoting the frame within the housing. In this manner, the closed fixture may be easily opened by the gentle manual urging of the upper edge of the frame inwardly which accomplishes an outward snapping of the bottom edge of the frame from the housing. Once the frame is thus released the trunnion portions are free to drop to the bottom of the L-shaped trackway whereupon the lower edge of the frame may be readily raised in an arcuate path to allow rearward horizontal sliding engagement of the frame into the housing where it will remain fixed until repositioned in a reverse manner.

' United States Patent In another form of the invention a similar light trans-.

mitting panel holding frame having projecting trunnion portions, is adapted to engage a pair of contoured recessed trackways in the housing. The contoured recesses have notched portions therein which act to locate the floating trunnions of the frame member in either a closed or an open position.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide, an improved concealed hinged'structure for a lighting fixture.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved hinge structure which may bereadily cast into the hinged frame and housing portions of a lighting fixture.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved hinge capable of holding the hinged member in ing fixture which is simple and durable in construction,

neat in appearance and economical to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and the invention will be fully understood from the following description and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a prespective view of one form of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged section taken along the broken line 2-2 of FIG. 1 with parts in elevation;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 in reduced scale with portions in elevation showing the frame member in successive steps during the opening thereof;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of the upper portion of FIGS. 2 and 3 with parts broken away showing the hinged frame member in the locked open position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view in section showing the upper right hand corner hinge of the embodiment in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view in section of the upper left hand corner of the fixture housing showing the L-shape trackway;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view in section of the upper right hand corner of the light transmitting panel frame;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the frame showing the light transmitting panel securing means with parts broken away;

FIG. 9 is a rear prespective in section of the frame securing means as shown in the lower portion of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention employing two light transmitting panels;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional-view with parts broken away taken along line 1111,of FIG. 10 with the left window frame removed; 7

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the upper left corner. of FIG. 11 showing the insertion of the frame member into the housing; I 7

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 showing the further insertion of the frame into the recessed portion of the housing; i 1

FIG. 14 shows the frame and trunnion position relative to the housing recessed portions in another stage;

FIG. 15 shows the light transmitting panel'frame in a locked open position;

FIG. 16 shows the frame member of the embodiment of FIG. 10 in a closed position;

' FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective View in section of the upper left hand corner of FIG. 11 showing the contoured recessed hinge control portions of the housing;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the upper left hand corner of the light transmitting panel frame member;

and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view in section of the frame securing means of the-embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to the drawings, a lamp housing 10 is shown with a' hinged window or frame member 12 in ariecessed flush type fixture. Contained within the frame is a light transmitting inscription panel 14 which is secured in place by fastening clips 46 and suitable screws (FIG. 8) The frame member 12 is of general T-shaped cross section and is hinged at the upper corners in such a Patented Dec. 8, 1964' The i of the frame (FIG. 2).

3 trunnion control trackways 22. Each control trackway has an upper ear portion 24 which provides the forward abutting surface for an associated frame trunnion 44 when the frame is in a closed position. Each trackway .22 has a horizontal upper flat portion 25 which acts as a support for the outer edge of frame face portion 38 when the frame is in the open position. An upper'horizontal portion '18 of the housing carries a longitudinal support rib 26' which functions as the second rest point for the frame 12 when it is in an open position. The housing side walls carry a mounting flange 28 which extends vertically along the lower portions of the side wall and includes an upper inclined portion 30 and a camming portion 32 thereover. 7 Suitable apertures 29 are provided in the housing flange 28 for fastening purposes. Just forward of the mountingflange 28 are provided two "horizontally aligned fulcrurn points 36 which are formed in the upper edge of a frame inward movement .limitingstep or ledge poition 34 (FIG. 6.). These fulcrum points 36 and the flange :34 provide the seating surface for the frame face portion 38 when the frame is in a closed position. I

Referring to the Window frame member 12, the novel two-position floating hinge invention is embodied by providing two axially aligned and outwardly projecting oval support trunnions 44 on the upper frame corners.

These trunnions are secured to the web portion -of the T'-shaped frame. Also formed in this portion 40 of the frame is a camming portion 42 which projects inwardly into close proximity with the inclined portions 30 and 32 of the housing flange 28.

In the operation, when it is desired to open the fixture, a gentle manual force is applied to the upper corners 'Because the frame is not re strained from inward motion above the fulcrum point 36, a rocking action occurs about the fulcrum which projects the lower edge of the frame member free of the lower edge securing means. This lower frame securing means is composed of a triangular locking rib 48 in engagement with a complementary formed spring clip '50. Once the lower edge of the frame is clear of the housing it is free to fall to the dot and dash position shown in FIG. 3. At this point, the support trunnions 44 rest in the elbow portion 26 of the trackway 22. Once the frame has been snapped free of the housing, in the previously described manner, the lower edge of the frame need only be lifted in an arcurate path whereupon the frame and trunnions will assume the dot and dash position shown in FIG. 4. A small subsequent rearward pushing. of the frame will project the upper horizontal 'edge of the frame under the rib support portion 20 of the housing. In this substantially horizontal position the frame will be supported due to its confinement under the rib 20 .and over the flat portion 25 of a trackway located on either side wall. In thisraised self supporting position of the fixture frame, easy, two-handed maintenance of the internal wiring or lamps may be accomplished. Return of the frame to the closed position is accomplished by a slight outward pulling of the frame and the arcuate repositioning and application of pressure along the bottom edge thereof to engage the rib 48 with the spring 50.

adapted to operate with, and be supported by, a pair of aligned horizontally disposed recessed portions 58 located in the housing side walls 56. These contoured recessed portions are suitably spaced to support the projecting trunnion portions 44 of the frameand include a trunnion insertion slot portion 60. The contoured recessed chamber is also provided with an inner portion 62 which confines the trunnion when the frame is in a closed position. A second downwardly projecting slot 66 of the chamber 58 provides the locking restraint upon the trunnion 44 when the frame member is in an open position. The lower portion of the frame 54 carries an integrally cast triangular rib portion 80 which is adapted to engage a raised truncated pyramid portion 78 on [the lower housing wall (FIG. 19).

'In'assembly of the frame to the'housing, 'in this :form of the invention, the frame is .held in a horizontal position above the top surface of the housing (FIG. 12) and moved downward. The opposed oval-shaped trunnions 44'will easily fit through access slots 60 and pass into the recessed chambers 58. After the trunnion on either side 'of the frame member has been inserted into its respective chamber, the frame maybe pivoted as shown in'the successive FIGS. 13 and 14. From the position of thetrunnion 44 in the closed cavity portion 62 (FIG. 16) it can easily be seen how upon subsequent lifting of the bottom of the frame member in an arcuate path, the camming action of the corner against the surface 74 will transfer the trunnion to the inclined portion 64 of the chamber 58. Continued upward lifting of the lower edge of the bottom frame will rotate the over trunnion approximately so that it may fall into the slot 66 (FIG. 15). In this position, the frame will be held open by the restrained contacting relationship of the trunnion 44 within the slot portion 66.

To return the frame 52 to the closed position, it need only be lifted vertically to transfer the trunnions 44 .to the bearing notches 68 (FIG. 14) from which position the frame may be pivoted downwardly and moved inwardly to place the trunnions 44 and the frame face portion 70 in closed relation (FIG. 16).

In operation, 'itcan readily be seen how again a lamp fixture has been provided with a simplified floating type hinge structure which allows the locking of the frame portion in a raised-position. In both forms of the invention the floating hinged frame may be readily removed for easy cleaning. It should be noted that all'theoperating parts of the invention may be integrally cast into the lamp fixture.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the invention principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise and applied to many tal parallel walls facing inwardly toward one another and In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 through '19, V

The frame 54 is substantially identical to the frame employed in the previously described embodiment, and is extending rearwardly from the forward face of the 'housing on either side and at the top and bottom of the opening, a frame member holding a light transmitting panel and shaped with'respect to the opening for closing the-same and being positionable between an open position and aclosed position, pivotal support means for supporting said frame member across said opening in the closed position and for permitting said frame member rotational movement thereabout to the open position, said the major diameter of its associated oval trunnion and within which said trunnion is supported with the major axis extending horizontally when said frame member is in the closed position, a second notched pontion spaced horizontally and vertically from said first notched portion, the horizontal width of each of which accommodates only the minor diameter of its associated oval trunnion and within which said trunnion is retained with the major axis extending vertically whereby the trunnion and the frame member are restrained against rotation when said frame member is moved to the open position with the trunnions within said second notched portion, said free floating pivot receivers providing spaces between said first and second notched portions whereby said trunnions can be moved therebetween.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said housing walls define a pair of openings on either side of said housing, and includes in addition a second frame member identical with said first frame member also positionable between an open and a closed position across the second housing opening in like manner as said first frame member, and a pair of free floating pivot receivers for receiving and co acting with the trunnions of the second frame member in like manner as the first pair of free floating pivot receivers.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said frame member is provided with latch means along a lower portion thereof which is engageable with a mating portion of said housing when said frame member is in the closed position.

4. A lighting fixture comprising a housing with an opening in a forward face thereof, vertically oriented walls facing inwardly toward one another and extending rearwardly from the forward face of the housing on either side of the opening, a frame member holding a light transmitting panel and complementarily shaped with respect to the opening and closing the same when in the closed position, a pair of axially aligned fixed trunnions extending outwardly from opposite ends of the upper edge of said frame member, free floating pivot receiving means for receiving said trunnions positioned entirely adjacent and rearwardly of the opening and extending inwardly toward one another from said vertical walls and receiving said trunnions, said free floating pivot receiving means defining with inwardly extending wall surfaces vertically and horizontally extending areas accommodating free movement of the trunnions, said free floating pivot receiving means further defining with their inwardly extending wall surfaces vertical surfaces facing rearwardly and contacting the forwardmost surfaces of said trunnions when said frame member is in the closed position thereby restraining the upper portion of said frame member from opening outwardly, and horizontal surfaces vertically and horizontally spaced from said vertical surfaces and against which said trunnions contact when said frame member is in the open position extending outwardly from said opening substantially the total distance from the bottom thereof to the trunnions, and complementary means on said housing and on said frame member immediately adjacent and rearwardly of said opening for further restraining said frame member in the opened and closed position with said trunnions contacting said surfaces.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said free floating pivot receiving means comprises a pair of substantially L-shaped trackways disposed rearwardly of the housing opening and extending inwardly toward one another from the upper portions of said vertical walls with the lower horizontal legs thereof extending rearwardly from the lower edges of the vertical legs thereof, the upper ends of the said vertical legs terminating in close proximity to the upper edge of the opening, and being spaced therefrom to accommodate the thickness of said frame member, said vertical surfaces facing rearwardly comprising the rearward surfaces of the upper ends of said vertical legs, said rearward surfaces contacting the forwardmost surfaces of said trunnions when said light transmitting panel frame member is in the closed position, the upper edge of said vertical legs supporting said frame member intermediate the upper and lower edges of the sides thereof when in the open position, said horizontal surfaces comprising the upper surfaces of the.

innermost portions of said horizontal legs, said trunnions contacting said upper surfaces of the innermost portions of said horizontal legs when said frame is in the open position, said complementary means restraining said frame member in the opened position including means depending from said housing adjacent said trackways for holding said frame member in the open position on said vertical legs with the trunnions contacting said horizontal legs, and a pair of forwardly raised portions extending inwardly from said vertical walls and spaced below said trackways and contacting the rearward surfaces of said frame member when in the closed position and providing a fulcrum point for said frame member.

about which the upper portion of said frame member rotates rearwardly from the closed position toward the open position.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 having frame fastening means located upon a wall of said housing to secure said frame in the closed position.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein rearwardly extending projecting portions on either side of said frame member are spaced below said trunnions and said trackways and a camming surface is located on at least one of said vertically oriented walls below its associated trackway and above said forwardly raised portions on said vertical walls and horizontally aligned with said rearwardly extending projecting portions on either side of said frame, whereby, when said upper portion of said frame is pivoted rearwardly about said fulcrum point toward the open position, said rearwardly projecting portions are deflected and the lower portion of said frame member is deflected in a forward direction whereby to release said frame from said frame fastening means.

References, Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 439,632 Brainard Nov. 4, 1890 729,270 Buice May 26, 1903 1,207,595 Miller Dec. 5, 1916 2,630,522 MacDougall Mar. 3, 1953 2,721,635 Fullerton Oct. 25, 1955 2,744,191 Renaud et a1. May 1, 1956 2,825,433 Robinson Mar. 4, 1958 2,978,575 Cohen Apr. 4, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 20,004 Great Britain 1906 463,455 Great Britain Mar. 31, 1937 78,243 Denmark June 18, 1952 

4. A LIGHTING FIXTURE COMPRISING A HOUSING WITH AN OPENING IN A FORWARD FACE THEREOF, VERTICALLY ORIENTED WALLS FACING INWARDLY TOWARD ONE ANOTHER AND EXTENDING REARWARDLY FROM THE FORWARD FACE OF THE HOUSING ON EITHER SIDE OF THE OPENING, A FRAME MEMBER HOLDING A LIGHT TRANSMITTING PANEL AND COMPLEMENTARILY SHAPED WITH RESPECT TO THE OPENING AND CLOSING THE SAME WHEN IN THE CLOSED POSITION, A PAIR OF AXIALLY ALIGNED FIXED TRUNNIONS EXTENDING OUTWARDLY FROM OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE UPPER EDGE OF SAID FRAME MEMBER, FREE FLOATING PIVOT RECEIVING MEANS FOR RECEIVING SAID TRUNNIONS POSITIONED ENTIRELY ADJACENT AND REARWARDLY OF THE OPENING AND EXTENDING INWARDLY TOWARD ONE ANOTHER FROM SAID VERTICAL WALLS AND RECEIVING SAID TRUNNIONS, SAID FREE FLOATING PIVOT RECEIVING MEANS DEFINING WITH INWARDLY EXTENDING WALL SURFACES VERTICALLY AND HORIZONTALLY EXTENDING AREAS ACCOMMODATING FREE MOVEMENT OF THE TRUNNIONS, SAID FREE FLOATING PIVOT RECEIVING MEANS FURTHER DEFINING WITH THEIR INWARDLY EXTENDING WALL SURFACES VERTICAL SURFACES FACING REARWARDLY AND CONTACTING THE FORWARDMOST SURFACES OF SAID TRUNNIONS WHEN SAID FRAME MEMBER IS IN THE CLOSED POSITION 